clutchngrab

Babcock gripping.

I'm very concerned....It's a ******* mugging out there. Ducks kind of s***.

I'm bummed at the lack of show for Homer, Dats, Hossa, and Kronwall. Hossa came here suposedly to win the cup. What is he tevo-ing it?

Danglin' at the blue line against the ducks ain't gonna get it done. Wings have to turn the Ducks D around next game.

I'm sorry, that argument works for anyone besides a Hart finalist.

Well he's certainly not the best forward on the Wings right now which was what he was for the whole season.

Sumpin's gotta change on the Pavs-Z-Homer line. They look mostly lost. I agree that someone with some speed and grit needs to be there. Maybe Cleary. Homer seems to be lost 5 on 5.

Babcock has to outcoach that other guy. The Babcock strategy so far has been to roll the lines. Carlyle's strategy is to play his best players as often as possible. I would say that Babcock has to embrace Carlyle's strategy for game 7. Also, there are 3 guys up for the Hart. Only one of them isn't scoring - I don't care what else he is bringing. Time to double shift some guys now and again - and I'm not talking about Sammie and Kronwall.

The Ducks strategy is brilliant - practice taking as many obstruction and roughing penalties throughout the year. Hone that razor to an edge such that the s***ty ******* hockey the ducks play is never called in the playoffs. That is why you can win with one good line. This is what the NHL wants, apparently. I'm not sure if you guys have watched other series, but this is the only one played at the ducks level. All other series seem to have something called skating and chances for both teams. I tip my hat to their ability to completely bypass the "not-so-new" NHL and take a dump on the game of hockey.

Hudler has improved every year because of his work ethic. I don't think he has reached his full potential yet.

I want original 6 final so bad I can feel it in my shorts.

I'll say this: Every time the Wings have success it is because we deny time and space - usually in the neutral zone. The fact we that we are out-hitting the ducks bodes extremely well for us. If we get there, I think the hawks will see a team they haven't seen all season. On the other hand, I think the wings are very aware of what the hawks can do. Wings in 5.... if we get there.....

The other point which no one is mentioning is that in 2 or 3 years time guys like Big Rig, Leino and maybe even Helm will be in the value range of Cleary, Flip, etc. If all goes well I doubt we will be comfortable letting those guys walk. They are the next generation. I've always felt that winning teams are a good mix of established stars and up and comers. As much as I like Hossa, I'm converned that signing him long term might be short-sighted given the Hank/Dats/Mule contracts. On the other hand Holland may be looking to create a 3-5 year dynasty and retire.

I think the wings have been more than generous to Drapes and Malts over the years, and I for one would like to give them a hearty handshake after this year and move on with other younger players who are what Drapes and Malts used to be. Once you start playing players strictly on the basis of longevity and not based on merit you have problems.

I expect his line to be huge next game. I just have a feeling that the killer instinct will come forth in game 6. I wouldn't mind seeing Cleary get a shift or 2 with Pavs and Zets. Homer doesn't seem too effective right now 5 on 5.

I could see Babcock mixing up the 3rd and 4th lines pretty regularly based on who is going and who is not. Hopefully he stays with the top 2, though.

In the regular season or playoffs? I have to think Helm has pretty much out hit everyone so far in the playoffs except for maybe Dats.

The only thing Draper is good for anymore is face-offs. He's a minus player who takes a ton of bad penalties. Who does he play instead of? Maltby?

The Mule: Who could doubt after Stevie the legend gave him the nickname. Only the few and the blessed get the Stevie Moniker.

Looks like Babcock finally decided to coach in this series and its working.

Hell, stay out of Orange County completely. That's one f***ed up place in general.

yeah, nice graphic - but at the end of the day this game was lost on one bad goal by Lebs and Cheli. I'm wondering if that happens if Rafi and Lils are getting the ice time they should.

I think Babs is being out-coached right now.

Osgood looks great! Missing Rafi and Lils may prove prophetic.... Ducks are winning the neutral zone. Wings and hawks play east/west - Ducks and Canucks play north/south. N/S wins when penalties aren't being called. p.s. Can't complain about our team taking the body.

I think if you are arguing per capita it has to be the Czechs. Amazing talent with such a small pool. After that, Sweden, then Russia. In general the euros understand teaching hockey skills first and systems 2nd unlike their North American blowhard counterparts.